Citroen is now one of the UK's major players, attracting more than 130,000 new buyers a year, and looks set to progress even further quickly.

Leading the charge are the C2 and C3 city car and supermini, with prices from just #7,500 for the 1.1-litre three door C2, and from #8,595 for the 1.1-litre five door C3.

Another recent newcomer at the opposite end of the size scale, is the C8 people-carrier, which is a million miles better than the Synergie model it replaced.

Prices officially start at #18,300, although there are cashbacks of up to #2,000 or more.

Most impressive model in the C8 range is the 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 115mph performance, and economy nudging 40mpg.

Indeed, as far as diesels go, Citroen was certainly in the right place at the right time, with oil-burning versions of every model in its comprehensive line-up.

These range from the 1.4-litre C2 at just #8,495 with its 100mph top speed and 50mpg economy, to the 2.2-litre C5 estate model, which in flagship Exclusive guise costs #21,800 and boasts climate control, leather upholstery and a multi-disc CD player.

Mainstay of the Citroen line-up is the mid-range Xsara model, which comes in a choice of hatchback, coupe, estate and midi people-carrier Picasso versions.

The two litre VTS Coupe model is Citroen's sporty flying machine, at just #17,295, whilst the Picasso is now the UK's best selling MPV, having overtaken Renault's rival Scenic.

Biggest surprise of the lot is the Berlingo Multispace, which is rapidly gaining a cult following, offering van-like versatility within an extremely comfortable and comprehensive package, from just #9,495 in 1.4-litre petrol form.